The effect of pristine and modified laponite RD and RDS on a model low-density polyethylene (LDPE)—ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blend system is explored in this article. The nanoclay particles are melt-blended with the LDPE–EVA system at 1.5 wt% loading. Both laponite RD and RDS are modified by ion exchange method utilizing dodecyl ammonium ion to improve the interaction of clay particles with polymer matrix. The blends are compression moulded and their mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties, and morphology are evaluated. The properties of the blends are found to be strong functions of the extent of modification. An appreciable improvement in the tension set properties of the TPE nanocomposites is observed in all the nanoclay-based films. Morphological studies and dynamic properties clearly indicate that the differential properties of these blend systems primarily stem from the extent of dispersion and alternation of crystalline morphology, which in turn is a strong function of preferential incorporation in the LDPE or EVA matrix and the agglomeration tendency of the nanofillers. Keywords: blends, clay, dispersions, morphology, nanocompositesCite this Article Hui S, Chattopadhyay S. Nanocomposites Based on LDPE–EV Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE): Effect of Laponite Clay. Nanotrends: A Journal of Nanotechnology and Its Applications. 2015; 17(3): 17–27p.
